CONSOL Energy Bridge at The Summit

CONSOL Energy has donated $15 million over five years to build the CONSOL Energy Bridge at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The bridge, more than 700 feet long and rising 200 feet above a giant ravine, will connect the main activity area to the eastern half of the property.

This one-of-a-kind bridge utilizes splayed wooden piers to support the main cables. The timber poles fan out radially to gently redirect the main cables. The resulting form is reminiscent of feathers at an eagle’s wing tip.

By supporting the deck from the suspension cables, it can be made level through the bridge length. This ensures easy access for all visitors to the Reserve. Timber planks comprise the walking surface allowing rainwater to drain through to the forest floor below.

A unique set of secondary pathways are created along the main cables with observation decks constructed between the tops of the piers. Access points to these secondary walkways are located at each end, below mid-span, and at each intersection of the cables and deck.

The Consol Energy Bridge will go beyond simply connecting two points to create a thrilling experience for the Scouts that cross it. This iconic structure will be a physical extension of the high adventure spirit of The Bechtel Summit.

The lightweight nature of this design promises low impact to the surrounding natural elements. While blending flawlessly into its environment, an efficient structure is inherently sustainable with its modest use of materials. A low consumption LED lighting system will be utilized to provide subtle illumination at night.

Incorporating a variety of pathways into the bridge design offers energetic users a myriad of options for exploring the bridge and taking in the views of the valley. The dipping cables at mid-span will skim over tree tops enabling users to observe arboreal ecosystem from a unique point of view.

“This incredibly generous gift, both figuratively and literally, will help carry us from our first century of Scouting into the next 100 years,” says Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “We can all look forward to the day when Scouts will cross this new span to take part in bold new programs that will ultimately transform them from boys into men.”

J. Brett Harvey, president and CEO of CONSOL, has a long history with Scouting as a local volunteer and member of the BSA’s National Executive Board, the BSA National Foundation, and the 2010 jamboree committee. He is serving as chairman of Arrow WV Inc., the BSA subsidiary charged with developing the new high-adventure base that will open for the 2013 jamboree.

Reference material from Official 2013 National Jamboree Facebook Page